Ali vs Inoki (1976) | The First Global Mixed Rules Fight

Wrestling

Year2026

Duration1m

Watch Now

7.2

On June 26, 1976, a reigning world heavyweight boxing champion fought a pro wrestler under mixed rules at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Muhammad Ali vs Antonio Inoki was broadcast globally and reached an estimated 1.4 billion viewers. The rules were renegotiated days before the fight. Inoki was not allowed to attempt standing takedowns and could only kick with one knee on the canvas. He responded by throwing more than 100 low kicks to Ali’s lead leg. Ali landed fewer than ten clean punches in 15 rounds. The fight was ruled a draw. Ali was hospitalized afterward with severe leg damage. What came out of it: This bout helped spark Japan’s shoot-style movement and influenced future organizations like Pancrase and PRIDE Fighting Championships. Today it’s recognized as one of the earliest major mixed-rules fights in modern combat sports. Follow for more combat sports history and Did You Know breakdowns. #MuhammadAli #AntonioInoki #MMAHistory #PRIDEFC #Pancrase #CombatSports #MartialArtsHistory